We're into February now, which means we should be fully recovered from Snowdown and Taylor Swift's boyfriend losing in the Superbowl. No time for rest, everyone is too busy celebrating one of the worst flu seasons we've had in 15 years!  And with a large winter storm on the way (knocking on all the wood over here) and Skijoring up in Silverton, both falling on a three-day weekend; Valentine's day, if you're into that sort of thing, might almost feel like an afterthought. It's not, that notion is a trap!

Have a good weekend, stay hydrated, smell the roses, eat the chocolates, and get some turns in! 
Looking at YTD data, there's not much to say at this time, so let's compare to last year. Since there's not much data on the charts, I kept 2023 data around just in case you're into that long term stuff.  At first glace, yeah, prices were higher this Jan that last, but that doesn't really indicate much when you consider how much higher the median sales price in JAN24 was over JAN23, and then how small the annual appreciation was from 2023 to 2024.

Inventory is telling a bit of a story right now. Sales are same as last Jan, but there's more new listings, adding to more active inventory. And contrary to the higher inventory levels, prices bumped up, and despite that, we saw days on market drop. What's all that mean? Looking at those different data points individually, especially this time of year isn't really remarkable. But when you look at them together, I casn't help but wonder if Durango is setting up to have an active year in real estate.The bar is kind of low after last year (did you hear 71% of realtors didn't close a deal last year?!), and I'm sure last month's pricepoint isn't making you feel warm and cozy if you're in the market to buy, but maybe if active inventory continues to climb, it will help keep the median sales price from accelerating at an unsustainable pace- wishful thinking?

I think I'll stick with the general advice I've given this time of year in the past, especially now that you can see it for yourself from the data above. If you're thinking about buying, right now you've got few options, but also what's generally the lowest purchase prices of the year. As our season starts cranking up in the Spring, yeah, you've got more inventory and more options, but you're also typically paying more. Something to weigh out.